New England Law Events

“Make Your Dreams Your Career”

(Boston Revised 06/28/10) New England Law | Boston: Just before members of the Class of 2010 stepped proudly across the Commencement stage and into the legal profession, Chief Justice John T. Broderick, Jr., of the New Hampshire Supreme Court encouraged them to imagine far into the future when their careers would be winding down.

The chief justice recalled his first day at work as a fledgling lawyer at the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office, when he took the time to write “…why I went to law school and how I wanted to be remembered by colleagues and friends when my career was through.” As the years went by and he has risen to prominence and power in the judicial world, he has kept the notes in his top desk drawer all along, and when difficult days arise, he rereads them and takes stock.

“My notes allowed me to get in touch, once again, with that aspiring young lawyer from 1972 who was filled with idealism and hope and who had quite deliberately joined a noble profession for a purpose larger than himself,” he said. “My notes have served as a wonderful compass, both then and now. It is in that spirit that I challenge all of you to make your own notes and to make your dreams your career.”

Chief Justice Broderick’s wisdom and encouraging remarks were among the highlights of New England Law | Boston’s 99th Commencement ceremony, on Friday, May 28, before a full house of well-wishers in the Wang Theatre at the Citi Performing Arts Center. There were 292 juris doctor recipients in this year’s class.

Chairman of the Board Martin C Foster ’80 presided over the proceedings and introduced each honorary degree recipient and his or her presenter.

Dean John F. O’Brien ’77 noted, “This is always a special day and one that our community looks forward to. It is a confirmation of what we, as educators, do. Like parents, we watch our charges grow, mature, and finally take off on their own paths, equipped with the skills and confidence they will need to move forward.”

The dean recognized fellow educational leaders David Hall, president, University of the Virgin Islands; David J. Sargent, president, Suffolk University; and Dr. John Silber, president emeritus, university professor, and professor of philosophy and law, Boston University. “I have had the privilege of getting to know them in recent years,” said Dean O’Brien. “All three have transformed their individual institutions and have been recognized as giants in their field. Their tireless devotion and outstanding accomplishments have set an example for all of those who work in higher education.”

David N. Moore, Part-time (evening) Division valedictorian.

Dean Arthur E. MacLean Awards for Academic Excellence were given in each of New England Law’s three divisions to the top-ranked students, who delivered valedictory remarks. Kelleen P. Forlizzi and John L. Sullivan, III both received awards in the Full-time (day) Division; David N. Moore received the award in the Part-time (evening) Division; and Julie M. Gottselig was honored in the Special Part-time Program.

Chief Justice Broderick received an honorary doctor of laws degree and was hooded by Professor Lawrence Friedman, who had served as then-Associate Justice Broderick’s law clerk. Other honorary degree recipients included Frances Chiplovitz Katz '37 (doctor of laws); President Hall (doctor of laws); President Sargent (doctor of laws); President Emeritus Silbur (doctor of humanities); and Rev. Dr. Nancy S. Taylor, senior minister and CEO, Old South Church, Boston, (doctor of humanities).